ID this very early bicycle

[Two Wheeler]

This cool old racing bike was brought to our Gateway Coasters show today. He bought it a couple of months ago at an estate sale so doesn’t know any history on the bike. There are no holes for a headbadge. Some or the components say made in England like in the picture of the crank arm.
What vintage and which manufacturer made this bike?
It is not for sale.

 

[juvela]

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Chainset appears to be Chater Lea

Pedals appear to be Phillips Model Nr. 63 Celtonia


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[Two Wheeler]

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Chainset appears to be Chater Lea

Pedals appear to be Phillips Model Nr. 63 Celtonia


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Do you know what vintage they are?

 

[juvela]

Do you know what vintage they are?

pedals may be later than cycle

the model enjoyed a long production life during which there were some minor changes

cycle's fork crown an excellent identifier; when the right pair of eyes see it you will have your frame identification


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[AS-1]

Is the frame made of aircraft aluminum?

 

[Two Wheeler]

Is the frame made of aircraft aluminum?

I doubt it’s aluminum. It’s so thin and the seat stays are such small diameter I think it would fold up if it were aluminum. I wish I would have had a magnet to check.

 

[AS-1]

I doubt it’s aluminum. It’s so thin and the seat stays are such small diameter I think it would fold up if it were aluminum. I wish I would have had a magnet to check.

That's why I asked if it was aircraft aluminum. If it was 6061 or one of the other blends, it could work. The seat stays look to be about 3/8" dia. They might be solid. If that was steel tubing with walls as thin as those look to be, it would be weaker than aircraft aluminum. The weld beads were done by hand and they look exactly like aluminum to me. The seat post has started to oxidize at the post hole but the frame looks completely fresh. I read somewhere that aluminum bikes were all the rage in the 1930s or so. The fork crown, as juvela mentioned above, is unique, almost amateurish. Cool bike.

 

[dnc1]

I think it looks aluminium, and possibly a home brewed special.
That fork crown in particular.
Would love to see more.